Skin - Substances that Enhance

Introduction

This section outlines the natural chemicals present in the body and external nutrients and chemicals that are essential for or improve Skin health and function.

Amino Acids

 Arginine concentrates in the Skin:

 Arginine (applied topically) may increase the level of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in the Skin.  ^[1]

 Creatine (including supplemental forms such as Creatine Monohydrate) may retard the Aging Process in the Skin.  ^[2]

 Cystine may facilitate the growth of the Skin. 

 Glutamine may help to eliminate waste products from the Skin. 

 Glycine may improve the structural integrity of the Skin (due to its incorporation in large quantities into Collagen). 

 Hydroxylysine may be essential for the structural integrity of the Skin. 

 Isoleucine may be essential for healthy Skin. 

 Leucine may be essential for healthy Skin. 

 Lysine may improve the function of the Skin (due to its active form - Hydroxylysine - contributing to the manufacture of Collagen). 

 Methionine is essential for the growth of the Skin and may improve the tone and elasticity of the Skin.  ^[3]

 Supplemental Proline may improve the texture of the Skin (due to its role in Collagen production).  ^[4]

 Serine is occasionally used as an ingredient in topically applied Skin Improving creams. 

 Taurine may inhibit the ability of Fructose to initiate Cross-Linking in the Skin.  ^[5]

Carbohydrates

 Glucans may accelerate the healing of Wounds of the Skin: 

 Beta 1,3 Glucan (applied topically or administered orally) may protect Langerhans Cells (specialized cells of the Immune System that are located in the Epidermis layer of the Skin) from the toxic effects of Ultra-Violet Radiation.  Beta 1,3 Glucan (applied topically) may also increase the elasticity of the Skin, may increase the thickness of the Skin, may reduce redness and roughness of the Skin, may reduce Wrinkles of the Skin and may improve Skin hydration.  ^[6]

 Fucose may increase the elasticity of the Skin.  ^[7]

 Glucosamine may play a role in the formation of the Skin.  ^[8]

 Hyaluronic Acid may bind to and protects the Skin's Connective Tissues, holds moisture in the Skin and may act as a lubricant between the Skin's Cells.  ^[9]

Carotenoids

 Astaxanthin may inhibit the ability of UV-A to damage the Skin.  ^[10]

 Beta-Carotene may protect the Skin from damage caused by excessive exposure to Ultra-Violet Radiation from Sunlight:  ^[11]

 Beta-Carotene may inhibit the ability of UV-A to increase the production of Matrix Metalloproteinases in the Skin’s Keratinocytes (which contributes to photoaging of the Skin).

 Canthaxanthin may protect the Skin from damage caused by excessive exposure to Ultra-Violet Light. 

 Lutein may exert Antioxidant effects in the Skin that protect the Skin from UV-B-induced damage.  Lutein (consumed orally and/or applied topically) may increase Skin hydration, Skin elasticity and Skin lipid content. 

 Lycopene concentrates in the Skin (and is destroyed at a greater rate than other endogenous chemicals when Skin is exposed to Ultra-Violet Radiation).  ^[12]

Electromagnetic Radiation

 Intense Pulsed Light therapy may improve Skin appearance.  ^[13]

Enzymes

 Bromelain may improve the visual appearance of the Skin (by encouraging the rapid turnover of cells, encouraging the formation of new Skin Cells and dissolving Cross-Links within the Skin).  ^[14]

 Catalase is present in human Skin (where it protects the Skin’s Elastin content from damage caused by Free Radicals).  ^[15]

 Glutathione Peroxidase may prevent the Cross-Linking of Nucleic Acids, Fats and Proteins in the Skin. 

 Papain may improve the visual appearance of the Skin (by encouraging the rapid turnover of cells, encouraging the formation of new Skin Cells and dissolving Cross-Links within the Skin).  ^[16]